By Rena F., Sixth Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Founded over 100 years ago, the Sisterhood of Chizuk Amuno Congregation was created so women could become more active members of the synagogue community.
“The Sisterhood originally was a way to get women involved in the life of the congregation,” explained Rabbi Deborah Wechsler, Chizuk Amuno Congregation’s spiritual leader. Today, members of the Sisterhood lead many efforts in the community, including food drives and fundraisers.
The Sisterhood is changing all the time, and so are its leaders. Ruth Silber, the current president of the Sisterhood, was appointed on July 1, 2013. At first, she admittedly did not want to become the president, but she ultimately decided to take on this role.
“I wanted to give back to Chizuk Amuno Congregation after they helped me when I lost my father, so I decided to become the president of the Sisterhood,” she said. When Silber started as president, there was much work to be done, which made it a bit challenging. “Being the president of the Sisterhood is very hard, and there is a lot of work that I have to do, but it is worth it.”
When Rabbi Wechsler became a clergy member at the synagogue in 1999, she immediately joined the Sisterhood. “There is something special about the experiences that you have with such a special group of women. There is just something so amazing about it,” she explained.
The Sisterhood puts in a lot of time and effort to make the synagogue an engaging and inviting place. They support and help raise money for the shul, religious school and Krieger Schechter Day School. In addition, the women decorate the bimah for Sukkot and Shavuot, using real flowers and greenery, and paid for the carpeting in the main sanctuary.
There are currently approximately 250 Sisterhood members. The number of members increases and decreases throughout the year because people can sign up anytime. Years ago, the Sisterhood had between 400 to 500 members, mostly in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
“About four to five years ago the numbers dropped because people thought that only their bubbies should join,” Silber explained. She is working to change this perception by making the Sisterhood desirable for younger women as well.
Another highlight of the Sisterhood’s effort is the Judaica Shop, which is run entirely by volunteers. The store sells items such as kippot, challah covers, tallitot, Jewish related texts, jewelry from Israel and holiday gifts. According to Silber, the shop is being upgraded all the time.
The Sisterhood has changed throughout the years, and they are always looking for ways to support Chizuk Amuno Congregation.